Campaigners have claimed it is “only a matter of time before someone is killed” as a result of speeding on east Ipswich roads unless 20mph zones are introduced.

Residents around Faraday Road began collecting signatures for a petition after being fed up of cars speeding down the roads and attempting to use them as a rat run, with more than 400 signatures having been put to paper.

The campaign is calling for Suffolk County Council to introduce the speed limit in a host of problem roads, including Clifford Road, Wellesley Road, Tennyson Road, Woodville Road, Darwin Road, Faraday Road and Fuchsia Lane.

The roads are among those that frequently experience gridlock because of anti-social driving, the campaigners have said.

Petition organiser Wendy Peakman from the local neighbourhood watch team said; “I am delighted to present this petition to the council and look forward to the next steps.

East Anglian Daily Times: Campaigners around Faraday Road in Ipswich are calling on Suffolk County Council to implement a 20mph zone. L-R Norman Smith, Mandy Gaylord, Jean Macdonald, Wendy Peakman, Freda Smith and John Clark. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCampaigners around Faraday Road in Ipswich are calling on Suffolk County Council to implement a 20mph zone. L-R Norman Smith, Mandy Gaylord, Jean Macdonald, Wendy Peakman, Freda Smith and John Clark. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

“We need a 20mph scheme in this areas as the traffic speeds are getting worse.

“Without this scheme it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.”

The campaigners believe the roads currently present an easy cut through where motorists are tempted to speed, but by introducing a 20mph speed limit those who do not live down the roads would be put off using them.

Suffolk county councillor for the area, Mandy Gaylard, has been supporting the campaign. She said: “For these plans to be implemented it needs community support.

“We are getting a great feedback from members of the public, so I hope a great many people sign the petition and support the 20mph zone campaign.”

She added; “It is clear that county council policy means this area is right for a 20mph scheme and it is obvious that reducing traffic speed reduces the number and impact of collisions, casualties and fatalities.”

The campaign follows a successful community drive for a 20mph zone outside St Helen’s Primary School in Woodbridge Road in March, while people were invited to share their views in February on proposals to limit 33 town centre roads to 20mph.

Jonathan Driver, sergeant at Ipswich central safer neighbourhood team, said: “Road safety and casualty reduction is a priority for Suffolk Constabulary.

“We support this petition to reduce the speed limit on some residential roads in the town to 20mph to encourage motorists to moderate their driving and to adjust their speed accordingly.”